I agree Tupke-Grande is the odd one out of this trio. Given the French inffatuation for all things 'oriental', especially woodblock prints, I think the ilustrations aren't too fartfetched. When I was in school and starting to read Penguin Classics editions I chanced on a withering article by some critic who lambasted their choices of cover images and I think it traumatized me. So, thank you!

Great owls, lovely poem (perhaps "lovely" isn't the right word), and I love the two women on the Life cover. The road not taken sort of thing. The post on Coco Chanel is great, too. I wear Madmoiselle Coco. Love it and everyone remembers it.

Jeanne, I worry when I don't hear from you. The quote that I used for the title of the Life vignette was written by Alice Duerr Miller, subject of my very first post. It's from her 1915 book "Are Women Human?" It is terrific! You can read it online as it's linked to her biography on Wikipedia. I was excited to see that, as it's been out of print for my entire lifetime. As to perfumes, my favorites are "Ma Griffe" by Carven and "Daim Blond" by Serge Lutens.

Julie, I found Daim Blond at Bergdorf Goodman in Manhattan. Sometimes it's available online, but sells out quickly - and never at a discount. It's outstanding and worth every penny if you want something special. I love owls. For Halloween I featured Helen Hyde's 'ghost-owls.'

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Why The Blue Lantern ?

A blue-shaded lamp served as the starboard light for writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette's imaginary journeys after she became too frail to leave her room. Her invitation, extended to all, was "Regarde!" Look, see, wonder, accept, live.

About Me

I have worked in public radio for 16 years now. My freelance writing began with political journalism for alternative publications, followed by an internship at American Demographics Magazine (Cornell University), and contributions to a literary journal in Pittsburgh, etc.
I studied classical piano for several years and was a jazz programmer for nine years. I have also done broadcasts for the blind and visually impaired.
Education: Syracuse University, & State University of New York.
NOTE: I have added an audio clip you can listen to (posted 03/17/14).